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      Inside Euro 2024 security HQ where crack cops work around the clock to protect tournament from terrorists and hooligans

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      HIGH-definition screens flash constant streams of data as British intelligence researchers work around the clock in a vast security nerve centre bigger than a football pitch.Crack police teams from nations across Europe sit side-by-side at workstations in a constant vigil to snuff out potentially deadly threats.Policing teams from across Europe will be working together at Euro 2024 to combat disorder and potential terror threatsCredit: AFPGerman police have been taking part in operational drills at stadiums ahead of Euro 2024Credit: EPABut this is not Britain’s GCHQ listening post or a Pentagon war room — it is the hub of the biggest soccer security operation in history at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.It is expected that 300,000 fans of England and Scotland will head from the UK for the month-long tournament, which kicks off on June 14.German authorities admit that, as well as soccer hooligans, they are trying to counter unprecedented terror threats from IS and rogue factions spilling out of the war to the east in Ukraine.And growing tensions in the Middle East are only adding to their security concerns.READ MORE EURO 2024Germany’s answer has been to pull together 300 of Europe’s top police brains to oversee the daunting security challenge from the purpose-built International Police Cooperation Centre at Neuss in western Germany.And the man in charge of the British presence spoke for the first time last night of the vital role that will be played by three specialist officers spearheading the intelligence operation.Former Met officer Mick Johnson, director of the UK Football Policing Unit, told The Sun on Sunday: “I’ve no doubt it’ll be a well-run machine.“We’ll have three staff working shifts. That’s one more than most nations, because English fans tend to start early and finish late.Most read in Football“They’ll work in three-day stints starting one day before games, match day itself and the day after.“We have a team of plain-clothed operational football officers — once called spotters — on the ground watching fans who will report to our team based in the IPCC.Euro 2024 Controversy: Spying Suspicions in Scotland Fans’ Lodging“If they spot anyone causing trouble, or identify anyone who’s been banned from matches, they will tell the IPCC team who’ll relay it to the Germans who will step in to take action as they see fit.“There will be three or four games a day so each hub will feed into the central IPCC coordinating centre at the same time.“It’s a good system. We’ve used it many times and I have to say the Germans are up with the best in the world at organising it.”Security forces face the task of protecting 2.7million fans, 24 team base camps, and ten stadiums where 51 matches will be played between June 14 and July 14. Top officials in Germany have been visiting the policing HQ as they prepare for an influx of fans next monthCredit: GettyPolice officers will have direct contact with the nerve centre as they keep control of fans around the groundsCredit: GettyPolice leave has been banned as fan zones nationwide are expected to attract 12million visitors and have been identified as the most likely terror targets.In an unprecedented move, Germany has invited 300 security experts from competing nations to the state-of-the-art Neuss HQ.UK experts will work in shifts alongside officials from Germany, Europol and European football body Uefa sifting data from live CCTV streams and the undercover spotters mingling with fans. The hub of the operation is a hangar-like 500  sq  metre conference room equipped with 129 computers and a giant 40  sq  metre screen.Tournament director Philipp Lahm said: “From the outset, security has been our top priority.”Oliver Strudthoff, director of the IPCC, said: “Each country knows its troublemakers better than any other and the foreign experts present in Neuss will be able to identify them more quickly.“A delegation’s size will depend on number of fans and how potentially dangerous they are. “England, for example, will have more representatives than Switzerland.”Among the visitors to the HQ was Herbert Reul, minister of the interior of North Rhine-Westphalia.The country’s interior minister, Nancy Faeser, revealed in March that an Islamist attack in Moscow had raised “dangers to a new level”.Her chilling alert came just days after the ISIS-K terrorist atrocity at a concert hall in Moscow killed 143.Among the drastic steps taken to protect Three Lions fans will be a plan to close borders temporarily and to ramp up frontier checks. A ring of steel will be thrown around every team base, including the home for Gareth Southgate’s England stars, who will be staying with their families at the five-star Weimarer Land Golf Resort and Spa in Blankenhain.More than 1,600 known England yobs have been banned from travel to Germany during the tournament.Between 800 and 1,300 police will be deployed around the stadiums at each match guarding three separate security perimeters.Cars will be checked at the first, bags searched at the second and tickets scanned at the third.Fan zones are feared to be softer terror targets as they welcome tens of thousands for every match.The German Army will scan the skies around matches for drone attacks and will feed data into the IPCC central command.Mr Johnson, whose nerve centre team will be led by his deputy Paul Foley, expects a minority of England fans to cause trouble but shares the hope it will be kept to a minimum.He said: “With England there are always going to be those who drink too much and engage in anti-social behaviour. “They might sing songs that they shouldn’t and are generally a pain in the arse.“But, by and large, they don’t get involved in premeditated violent outbursts and we’ve no major concerns with any of the teams we’ll be playing in the group stages.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re hopeful that it’s going to be really pleasant and enjoyable for all and let’s hope England fans get voted best fans in the tournament. “We’ve got to win something.”English police are hoping the nation’s supporters are the best behaved at the tournamentCredit: Getty More

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      Footballer, 33, ‘raped woman as she slept’ hours after cup final win at Wembley – before sending explicit photos to pals

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      A FOOTBALLER raped a woman as she slept before sending explicit photos of her to his teammates, a court has heard.Michael Emery, 33, brought the woman back to a hotel after spending the night celebrating Warrington Rylands FC’s FA Vase win on May 22, 2021.Michael Emery, 33, celebrated a win in the FA Vase Cup final at WembleyCredit: AlamyHe is currently on trial for allegedly raping a woman while she sleptCredit: AlamySt Albans Crown Court heard they initially had consensual sex, which the woman described as “vanilla”, before the defendant fell asleep.But she allegedly later awoke to find Emery biting her “really hard” on her left thigh and breast.The woman said “ow twice” and told him she didn’t want to have sex, before Emery allegedly raped her, the court heard.She subsequently “played dead” while he continued to bite her, before allegedly raping her for a second time, jurors were told.read more on football Charlotte Newel KC, prosecuting, said the alleged offences took place at a hotel in Watford.The woman had consumed six or seven bottles of beer over eight hours and was said to be “merry but not drunk,” the court heard.Opening the case, Ms Newell said: “Whilst she was asleep, Mr Emery demonstrated his total disregard for the autonomy and consent of the woman he had intercourse with by taking photographs of her naked without her knowledge and distributing them shortly before 4am amongst his teammates.”Emery is accused of sending explicit pictures to two WhatsApp group chats, allegedly writing: “Anyone want a go?”.Most read in Football”She knew nothing of this and would never have consented to such pictures being taken,” Ms Newell added.In a police interview, the woman said: “I think that when it first sort of hit me a bit… I was feeling quite wavy, for want of a better way of putting it.”The woman confided in her two friends about the alleged rapes first, before approaching her GP on May 27, 2021, the court heard.Her injuries were assessed, samples were taken and she was referred to a counselling service for victims of sexual assault, jurors were told.She was reluctant to go to the police at the time as she was aware of rape conviction statistics, the court heard.But due to Emery’s association with a women’s football team, she decided to tell Mark Pye, Warrington Rylands club chairman, about the alleged attack.After contacting Samaritans for help, she reported him to the police on August 16, 2021.Following a recorded interview, Emery was arrested on September 29, 2021.He claimed they had consensual sex three times.Emery also said she appeared fine and “showed no signs of being unhappy” when she left the hotel room the following morning.However, he failed to mention the images and refused to answer questions about them, the court heard.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe footballer denies two counts of rape and one count of disclosing private sexual photos with intent to cause distress.The case continues. More

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      Ex-Man City player Robinho fighting to get rape conviction DOWNGRADED to slash prison time in hellhole jail in half

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      FORMER Man City ace Robinho is fighting to get his gang rape conviction downgraded and slash his prison time in jail in half.The ex-Brazil international has served less than two months of his nine-year sentence for gang rape in the hellhole maximum security Tremembe Prison, near Sao Paulo.The football ace has been sentenced to nine tears behind bars for gang rapeCredit: AFPThe footie ace is trying to get his prison time slashed in halfThe Ex-Man City player being arrestedThe Brazilian, who has an estimated £60million net worth, was jailed after he was convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a club in 2013, alongside five other men.He started serving his sentence in March, sharing a tiny 8m squared cell with some of Brazil’s most notorious murderers and rapists.But his lawyer is already trying to get him out of the hellhole jail in less than two years by arguing the gang rape he was convicted over should not have been categorised as “heinous.”Mario Rossi Vale is arguing it should have been given a “standard” categorisation instead under Brazilian law.READ MORE ON ROBINHOHe’s arguing the footballer’s conviction should never have automatically been labelled “heinous”, increasing the amount of time he has to do in a “closed prison regime” when Brazilian judges facilitated his imprisonment there.If his appeal is accepted, Robinho could be made to do just one year and eight months instead of three years and seven months in a maximum-security prison before being allowed to benefit from a semi-open regime which could enable him to work or study outside jail during the day.The former AC Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester City striker was transferred to the maximum security prison in Tremembé after Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled he must do his time in his homeland as a result of his 2017 rape conviction in Italy.Italy issued an international arrest warrant for Robinho, but the former Premier League star managed to dodge jail for seven years while living in Sao Paulo.Most read in FootballBrazil’s High Court of Justice ended up accepting Italy’s request to make him serve his time in his homeland in March and the married dad-of-two was arrested hours after the decision.He was taken from his seafront luxury home in Santos to a hellish Brazilian prison where he plays ball with inmates.Tremembé is notorious for housing high-level criminals including child killers, murderers and other rapists.The cell is said to have only one single bed, a small sink and a toilet built into the floor.While in the cell all activities are isolated and he will be given four meals each day – the first being at 6am and the last at 5.30pm.But the convicted rapist has now been allowed to participate in physical activities with other prisoners, having already taken part in a football match.Timeline of Robinho’s rape caseThe rape case involving Brazilian footballer Robinho spans several years. Here’s a brief timeline:

      January 22, 2013: Robinho was one of a group of six men convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a club during his stint for AC Milan.
      2014: Brazilian media reported on the allegations against Robinho, but no formal charges were filed at that time.
      2017: Robinho was found guilty of sexual assault by an Italian court and sentenced to nine years in prison. However, he denied the charges and appealed the verdict.
      2020: After the appeal process, Robinho’s sentence was upheld by the Italian court. But due to the statute of limitations in Italy, he was not extradited to serve his sentence.
      2022: Robinho’s prison sentence is ratified.
      March 2023: Robinho surrendered his passport to authorities
      November 2023: Italian prosecutors said they felt Robinho should serve his time in Brazil.
      March 20, 2024: Brazil’s Superior Court formed a simple majority and voted for Robinho to serve the sentence in his home country

      Robinho pictured with his wife Vivian Guglielmetti JunitsCredit: ReutersThe footballer is serving his sentence in Brazil’s Tremembe PrisonCredit: Laurene Santos/TV Vanguarda More

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      Highly-rated boxer Sherif Lawal, 28, dies after collapsing in the ring during his first professional fight

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      A BOXER has died after collapsing in his first professional fight as heartfelt tributes pour in.Middleweight Sherif Lawal lost consciousness during the bout with Portuguese opponent Malam Varela at Harrow Leisure Centre in London yesterday after he was struck on the temple.Sherif Lawal sadly passed away after being struck in the temple at Harrow Leisure CentreCredit: Philip SharkeyReferee Lee Every began the knockout count but immediately called time after realising the extent of the 28-year-old’s condition on the canvas.Sherif, of Islington, was treated in the ring by doctors before being rushed to nearby Northwick Park Hospital.But he was tragically later pronounced dead despite the efforts of medics.Doctors arrived and worked on him in the ring for about 20 minutes, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator. This was in front of a packed house, and everyone was in total shockEyewitnessA witness said: “It’s unbelievably sad. This was his pro debut – he has died while chasing his dream.”His fight was first on the card, but the event was cancelled and the remaining three fights scrapped after Sherif was taken to hospital. That tells you how serious it was.”He was hurt at the end of round three. He then came out for the fourth and final round with his guard up, and took a right to the temple.”He dropped to his haunches and the referee started a count to ten – but then stopped and waved it off because he could see Sherif was in a bad way.”Doctors arrived and worked on him in the ring for about 20 minutes, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator. Most read in Boxing”This was in front of a packed house, and everyone was in total shock.”Sherif was then taken away on a stretcher before news came through later that he had passed away.”This is very rare. All care is taken to ensure the safety of fighters but in a sport like boxing these things occasionally happen. However, that doesn’t make it any less devastating.”‘A REAL INSPIRATION’Heartfelt tributes have rolled in since the tragic news of Sherif’s death.Costakis Evangelou, the promoter behind the Clash of the Titans event, told The Sun: “This was a tragic incident and my profound sympathies go out to Sherif’s family.“It’s a difficult time for everyone involved in the boxing fraternity and we’re trying to absorb what’s happened. No one wants to see something like this in any sport.“Sherif was a great boxer and man. It’s now in the hands of the Board and they’re going to assess the incident.”Writing on X, formerly Twitter, fellow boxer Denzel Bentley posted a ‘broken heart’ emoji and penned: “Went to a boxing show last night and a young man making his debut lost his life.”Among the replies was fight YouTube channel The P4P Boxing Show, which wrote: “RIP Sherif Lawal.”Sherif had been boxing since 2018. He wrapped up his amateur career and announced he was turning professional earlier this year.At the time, coach CJ Hussein, who also trained Tyson Fury’s 2009 opponent John McDermott, said: “I think the pro game will suit Sherif down to a tee, he’s got all the talent to become a great middleweight.“He’s a real inspiration to all the younger boxers at the gym.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA spokesman for the Met Police said it hadn’t been called to the venue over the incident.The British Board of Boxing Control and London Ambulance Service was approached for comment. More

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      Two arrested after ‘Leeds United fan slashed’ outside stadium after Norwich City match

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      TWO people have been arrested after a Leeds fan was reportedly slashed outside Norwich City’s ground.A Leeds fan in his sixties was attacked outside Carrow Road after this afternoon’s Championship play-off semi final.A Leeds fan was reportedly slashed outside Carrow RoadCredit: Twitter/@DorsetHottubThe scene near the Norwich City ground following the alleged attackThe man was reportedly punched and suffered a cut to his chin when an object was thrown at him.He was seen by paramedics at the scene and did not require further medical treatment.A man in his late teens was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault GBH and taken into custody for questioning.Another man in his fifties was also arrested at the scene on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.Read More SportHe was also taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning, where he remains in custody.Cops believe another man was involved in the thuggish attack and are working to collar him.’SLASHED IN THE NECK’Posting on Twitter, the victim’s adult son said they had been attacked after confronting yobs tragedy chanting.He said: “We came out of Carrow Road after the game to chants of Turks with knives and Galatasaray.Most read in Football”While asking the lads why it was said my dad was slashed in the neck with a blade and hit by a full can.”If anyone knows anything please speak up.”Leeds often face sick chants about two fans who were stabbed to death in Istanbul in 2000 before the club’s clash with Galatasaray.Norwich City confirmed two people have been arrested over the alleged attack and said the club is now helping cops with the case.Witnesses with information or phone footage should call 101 quoting crime reference 36/32293/24.You can also contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.MATCHDAY VIOLENCEBefore today’s game, Norfolk Police said: “Additional police officers will be on duty in Norwich for the play-off match.”Officers have been working with the football clubs, British Transport Police to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.”Matchday policing chief Supt Kris Barnard said: “We know this is a crucial match and an important occasion for supporters.”We will have extra officers on duty in and around the stadium and the city centre to welcome fans into the city, and keep people safe.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Good weather is forecast, so please enjoy yourselves, enjoy the May sunshine and enjoy the occasion.”The first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final ended in a goalless draw after Leeds had a goal ruled out. More

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      Three arrested at Celtic v Rangers clash as cops launch probe after objects thrown at James Tavernier

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      THREE people were arrested at yesterday’s Old Firm clash – as it emerged police are investigating after objects were thrown at Rangers captain James TavernierCops were forced to take action amid the high stakes Scottish Premiership encounter at Parkhead.Objects were thrown onto the pitch during playCredit: PAThree people were arrested during yesterday’s Old Firm encounter at ParkheadCredit: PAMounted police patrolled the perimeter of ParkheadCredit: PAThree people, aged 29, 44, and 47, were apprehended by officers.The arrests were carried out over alleged “acts of disorder”.Rangers captain James Tavernier was targeted with objects thrown by home fans as he prepared to take a corner during the powderkeg derby clash. Moments later missiles, including a metal item that Sky Sports pundits later called a “marijuana grinder”, rained down from the Celtic Park standing section.Tavernier handed the object to match referee Willie Collum.A number of other missiles were then thrown in the fullback’s direction before he was able to direct his corner into the area.Cops are continuing to carry out enquiries following the arrests and the objects being thrown onto the playing surface.A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Three people, aged 29, 44 and 47 have been arrested during the fixture at Parkhead, Glasgow on Saturday, 11 May, 2024 in connection with acts of disorder.Most read in Football“Enquiries are ongoing.”They added: “We are aware of items thrown during the match at Parkhead on Saturday, 11 May, 2024. Enquiries into the matter are ongoing.”Moment Celtic ultras unveil striking banner before Rangers clash declaring ‘we will be your strength’ No Rangers fans were present at the match due to a stand-off between the clubs over allowing away supporters into the grounds for the derby clashes. A return of away fans in European-style allocations will happen from next season.Celtic’s 2-1 win edged them closer to the title as they now sit six points ahead of their rivals with just two league games remaining.The Hoops got the first goal yet again in the crucial fixture when Matt O’Riley rifled in a low shot from the edge of the box.John Lundstram then put the ball into his own net, and his day didn’t get any better when he was given a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Alistair Johnston.Shortly afterwards, Cyriel Dessers gave the Gers a route back into the match but they were unable to level the contest and Celtic won the final league derby of the season.Celtic ran out 2-1 winnersCredit: Kenny RamsayKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Ex-Arsenal ace & Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson banned from driving after being caught speeding three times in one month

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      EX-ENGLAND and Arsenal ace Paul Merson has been banned from driving after being convicted of speeding THREE times within a month.The Sky Sports pundit did 47mph in a 40mph limit on the A316 Great Chertsey Road in Feltham, south west London, on September 9.Paul Merson has been banned from drivingCredit: Ian WhittakerMerson, 56, was caught again doing the same speed on the same road just two days later in his silver Volkswagen Touareg.The retired midfielder was later caught speeding at 57mph in a 50mph stretch of the A316 Country Way in Sunbury on October 1.The trio of offences within a month came after he was caught driving 60mph in a 50mph limit on the M3 at Thorpe, Surrey, on February 27 last year.Merse, who also played for Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Middlesbrough, appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court today for a disqualification hearing.Read more newsHe pleaded guilty to all four charges and was banned from driving for six months after receiving 12 penalty points.The footy playmaker was also fined £2,640, must pay a victim surcharge of £1,056 and prosecution costs of £110 within 28 days.Chief Magistrate Joan Lindsay admitted his previous driving record was “not great” and warned: “You mustn’t drive on any UK road once you leave court.”The court heard he already had nine points on his driving licence for speeding twice in 2021 and once in 2022.Most read in FootballNicholas Maggs, defending, claimed the four new convictions were for “relatively modest” speeds in variable limits.He claimed disqualification will have a “substantial effect” on his wife, who doesn’t drive, and his family – as Merse does the school run.Where the Soccer Saturday stars are nowThe oldest of their three kids, aged three, six and nine, has to travel 45 minutes around four times a week for training and matches at Chelsea’s academy.He said: “On his behalf, I wish to put forward his remorse for these offences. He accepts it’s not acceptable.“Through me he apologises to the court for finding himself before the court and finding himself disqualified for driving. It’s going to make things substantially more difficult.“I’m sure the court will appreciate Mr Merson experienced a number of difficulties in his younger life and has now chosen to use these positively through unpaid speaking events to help younger people from suffering mental health problems.”The FA Cup winner, of Teddington, south west London, was driven to court in the passenger seat of his four-year-old VW.Asked if he wanted to comment after the conclusion of the case, Merson, wearing a maroon long-sleeved polo shirt and grey suit trousers, told The Sun: “Absolutely not.”It comes after the dad-of-eight received a 14-month ban for falling asleep behind the wheel and crashing his Mercedes into a lorry while drink driving on the M40 near Warwick in October 2011.READ MORE SUN STORIESMerson, praised for going public over his battle with alcohol, drugs and gambling addictions, earned 21 Three Lions caps and went to Euro ‘92 and World Cup ‘98.He won the old First Division title with the Gooners in 1989 and 1991, before securing an FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993.Merson appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court todayCredit: Ian WhittakerEx-Arsenal star Merson was fined £2,640Credit: RexThe Sky Sports pundit admitted the driving offencesCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League club boss’ identity to remain hidden in historical child sex abuse case

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      THE identity of a Premier League club boss will remain hidden after he was accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl.A civil case has been launched against him by the alleged victim for aggravated damages.The leading figure in the Premier League has been accused of raping two girlsThe judge in the case granted the football figure anonymity – meaning his name will stay out of legal documents.Master Stevens, who sits as a judge in the King’s Bench Division of the High Court, said this was necessary for the “administration of justice”.She said she had considered human rights to private and family life, as well as freedom of expression, when making the decision.Although privacy rules in the UK apply to identifying suspects in the early stages of a police probe, the media is usually allowed to report cases in court – including civil cases.The ruling came after the football boss’ lawyers argued he should remain anonymous because of the potential harm naming him would have.The alleged victim came forward in 2021 claiming she was raped at his home when she was 15.But the man was not arrested and the case was left on file by the Crown Prosecution Service.This was due to a legal irregularity that meant the woman had waited too long to report the claims.Most read in FootballLegislation at the time stated if the alleged offence took place between 1956 and 2004, and the complainant was a girl aged between 13 and 15, she had to make a report within a year.Although this was scrapped when the 2003 Sexual Offences Act came into place, it still applied if the alleged incident took place in the previous 48 years.Court papers seen by The Athletic state he “committed trespass to the claimant’s person (assault and battery) and intentionally inflicted injury”.This is said to have caused the woman psychological harm, the documents say.The case is separate to another historical rape allegation made by a different woman.Police previously confirmed the well-known football figure was  quizzed under caution last June regarding that claim.The BBC previously revealed how the boss was still in his post despite being under criminal investigation.The Met Police said previously: “On Thursday, September 23, 2021, the Met received a crime report regarding an historic rape allegation.READ MORE SUN STORIES”On Monday, June 12, a man was interviewed under caution at a police station.’’Further enquiries are being carried out in that case before a decision is made whether to charge him or take no further action. More